Alaa Abdel Fattah was first sentenced to 15 years in prison, but then the court lightened the sentence

Alaa Abdel Fattah

CAIRO, February 23. /TASS/. Cairo Criminal Court on Monday sentenced Egyptian activist and blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah to five years in prison for breaking the law on demonstrations and participation in the riots at the parliament building.

In November 2013 a group of activists protesting against the amendment in the new constitution, which allows in particular cases to judge civilians in military courts, gathered dozens of people at an unauthorized protest in front of the Shura Council (Advisory Council). After 30 minutes, the protesters were dispersed. Law enforcement officers used force, including water cannons and tear gas, as the organizers had not received permission to carry out the rally, which is required by relevant law.

In June 2014 he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, but later the court granted the appeal filed and sent the case for review. Alaa Abdel Fattah was released from prison on bail.

Alaa Abdel Fattah is a blogger well-know in Egypt, who became famous during the civil unrest in 2011 due to his articles in the Internet. During Mohammed Mursi's presidency, Abdel Fattah was arrested after riots at the Muslim Brotherhood headquaters in Cairo.

Along with him 24 people were sentenced today to similar terms of imprisonment for the unrest in front of the Shura Council.